8 Best Caravan Awnings In NZ 2025: Types, Prices & Fitment
Your caravan's packed and ready for that next adventure but standing in the blazing sun or dealing with unexpected rain makes the whole experience far less enjoyable. You need reliable shade and shelter that doesn't take forever to set up or cost a fortune. The real challenge is choosing the right awning when you're looking at inflatable models, traditional pole setups, custom canvas options, porch styles, and dozens of other configurations available across New Zealand.
This guide breaks down the 8 best caravan awning options you can buy in New Zealand for 2025. You'll get detailed information on each type, realistic price ranges, which caravans they suit best, and practical advice on measurements and fitment. Whether you want a quick setup for weekend getaways, a full enclosure for extended stays, or you're hunting for a quality second hand option on Trade Me, we've covered the choices that actually matter for Kiwi caravanners.
1. Action Outdoors Caravan Awnings And Shade Gear
Action Outdoors stocks a wide range of caravan awnings and shade solutions designed specifically for New Zealand conditions. The store carries everything from basic sun canopies to comprehensive awning systems, including options for both traditional caravans and modern motorhomes. You'll find products built to handle the country's unpredictable weather, from harsh UV exposure during summer to sudden rain squalls that can appear without warning. Their selection focuses on practical gear that holds up to regular use rather than budget options that fail after one season.
Awning overview
Action Outdoors provides multiple awning configurations including retractable models, fixed installations, and portable shade structures. The range includes annex panels, wind walls, and floor options that transform basic awnings into full outdoor living spaces. You get access to mounting hardware, replacement parts, and accessories like guy ropes and pegs that match New Zealand ground conditions. The inventory covers both DIY installation kits and professional grade systems that require specialist fitting.
Best use cases and caravan types
These awnings suit family caravans between 4.5m and 7m where you need flexible outdoor space. The shade gear works particularly well for beach camping and holiday parks where you're setting up for multiple days. Lighter canvas options fit pop-top caravans, while heavier duty systems match full-height vans with permanent awning rails.
Price guide in New Zealand
Expect to pay $300 to $800 for basic sun canopy setups at Action Outdoors. Mid-range awning systems with side walls run $800 to $1,500, while complete enclosure packages with annexes reach $1,500 to $2,500 depending on size and material quality.
Quality awning hardware and proper fittings cost extra but prevent the headaches of sagging fabric and torn mounting points during your trip.
Fitment, measurements and setup tips
Measure your caravan's awning rail height from ground level on both sides before ordering. Action Outdoors staff can help match rail profiles to compatible awning beads. You'll need to account for an extra 30cm ground clearance on uneven sites. Setup takes 15 to 30 minutes with two people once you've practiced the sequence.
2. Inflatable Caravan Awnings From Dometic And Kampa
Inflatable caravan awnings have transformed the setup process by replacing traditional poles with air beam technology. Dometic and Kampa lead the New Zealand market with models that inflate in under five minutes using a pump. You get the same structural strength as pole awnings without wrestling metal poles through fabric sleeves or dealing with broken ferrules. These systems use multiple air chambers so a single puncture won't collapse the entire structure, and the beams flex during strong winds rather than snapping like rigid poles.
Awning overview
Dometic's Rally Air range dominates the premium segment with welded seams and heavy duty PVC windows that resist UV damage. Kampa counters with the Motor Rally series designed specifically for motorhomes and caravans with curved rooflines. Both brands build their awnings from polyester fabric rated at 150D to 300D depending on the model. You'll find integrated groundsheets, pre-attached guy lines, and color coded inflation points that speed up your setup. The air beams maintain 6 to 10 PSI pressure which you can check and adjust using the included gauges.
Best use cases and caravan types
These awnings suit touring caravans between 5m and 8m where you move sites frequently but still want proper shelter. The inflatable design works brilliantly for couples or small families who camp at powered sites with access to electric pumps. You'll appreciate the quick setup at DOC campsites and commercial holiday parks where early arrivals grab the best spots.
Inflatable awnings cut your setup time by 60% compared to pole systems, giving you more time to explore rather than wrestling with your shelter.
Price guide in New Zealand
Dometic Rally Air models start at $2,800 for 260cm width and climb to $4,500 for 390cm versions. Kampa Motor Rally awnings range from $2,200 to $3,800 depending on size and features. Budget an extra $150 to $250 for electric pumps and repair kits.
Fitment, measurements and setup tips
Measure your caravan's awning rail from ground to ground over the top to determine compatible sizes. Most Dometic and Kampa models fit standard 6mm awning rails without adapters. Inflate the beams to the recommended PSI marked on each tube and check pressure after the first hour as fabric stretches. Practice setup at home before your first trip so you understand the inflation sequence and guy rope positions.
3. Lightweight Porch Awnings For Weekend Trips
Porch awnings attach to your caravan's front or side entrance and provide shelter without the bulk of full-size models. These compact units typically span 2m to 3m in width and extend 2m to 2.5m from your van. You get quick access to protected outdoor space where you can store muddy boots, prepare meals, or sit out of the sun without setting up a complete awning system. The lightweight design means most porch awnings weigh under 15kg and pack into a single bag that fits in your caravan's exterior storage locker.
Awning overview
Brands like Camptech and Outdoor Revolution manufacture porch awnings specifically for the New Zealand market using polyester fabric with 2000mm to 3000mm waterproof ratings. These units feature steel pole frames or inflatable beam construction, with most models taking 10 to 15 minutes to set up once you've practiced. You'll find roll-up doors, mesh ventilation panels, and guy ropes that anchor the structure against coastal winds. The compact footprint suits holiday parks where site space is limited.
Best use cases and caravan types
Porch awnings work perfectly for weekend trips and overnight stops where you need basic shelter but don't want the hassle of full caravan awnings. They suit caravans between 4m and 6m with standard awning rails. Quick setup makes them ideal for touring routes around the South Island where you change locations daily.
Porch awnings give you 70% of the shelter benefits while requiring only 30% of the setup time compared to full awnings.
Price guide in New Zealand
Expect to pay $400 to $650 for basic porch awnings with pole frames. Inflatable models range from $650 to $1,200 depending on quality and brand reputation.
Fitment, measurements and setup tips
Measure your door height and awning rail position before purchasing to ensure proper coverage. Most porch awnings need 1.5m of clear ground space extending from your caravan. Setup requires pegging all corners first, then tensioning guy ropes to prevent sagging fabric.
4. Full Awnings For Long Term Stays
Full size caravan awnings transform your van into a proper holiday home when you settle at one location for weeks or months. These structures extend the full length of your caravan's awning rail and reach 2.5m to 3m from the side, creating substantial covered living space. You gain a proper outdoor room with enough height to stand comfortably and enough floor area for tables, chairs, and storage. Most full awnings include removable panel systems that let you add bedrooms, kitchenettes, or enclosed storage areas depending on your needs. The robust construction handles extended exposure to New Zealand's coastal winds and summer UV levels without the constant maintenance required by lighter temporary structures.
Awning overview
Brands like Isabella and Outdoor Revolution manufacture full awnings using acrylic or polyester canvas rated at 280gsm to 350gsm weight. The fabric resists mildew and maintains color even after months in direct sunlight. You'll find steel or aluminium pole frameworks that create stable structures capable of withstanding 40km/h winds when properly anchored. These awnings feature multiple entrance points, large panoramic windows with roll down covers, and integrated guttering systems that channel rainwater away from your setup. The panel design allows you to zip sections in or out to control ventilation and access.
Best use cases and caravan types
Full awnings suit extended stays at commercial holiday parks and private sites where you remain for three weeks or longer. They work perfectly for retirees touring New Zealand over summer or families spending school holidays at coastal locations. Your caravan needs to be 5.5m to 8m in length to justify the investment and setup effort required.
Full awnings double your usable living space and reduce interior caravan wear by moving daily activities outdoors during long stays.
Price guide in New Zealand
Quality full awnings start at $1,800 for basic models and reach $4,500 for premium Isabella or Kampa systems. Budget an extra $400 to $800 for bedroom annexes and carpet flooring that complete your outdoor living setup.
Fitment, measurements and setup tips
Measure your complete awning rail length and add 200mm clearance at each end for proper fit. Full awnings require two to three people for setup and take 45 to 90 minutes to erect properly. Mark your peg positions on the first setup so you can replicate the configuration at future sites. Check all guy rope tensions daily during the first week as canvas stretches and adjusts to weather conditions.
5. Retractable Cassette Awnings For Caravans
Retractable cassette awnings mount permanently to your caravan's exterior and roll out when you need shade or shelter. These units house the fabric and mechanism inside a protective cassette box that shields everything from weather damage during travel and storage. You simply wind a handle or press a button to extend the awning to your desired length, typically between 2m and 4m from your van's side. The compact design eliminates the need to store poles, fabric, or guy ropes separately, and the awning deploys in under two minutes once you've leveled your caravan. Most cassette systems include adjustable legs or wall mounts that support the extended fabric without requiring ground pegs.
Awning overview
Dometic and Fiamma manufacture the majority of cassette awnings sold in New Zealand, with models ranging from manual wind systems to electric motors controlled by remote or smartphone apps. The fabric uses acrylic or vinyl materials rated at 280gsm to 350gsm that resist fading and water penetration. You get integrated LED lighting strips, wind sensors that automatically retract the awning during gusts, and adjustable pitch angles that direct rainwater away from your setup. The cassette housing protects the rolled fabric from UV damage, mold growth, and road grime that plague traditional caravan awnings stored in bags.
Best use cases and caravan types
Cassette awnings suit modern caravans and motorhomes between 5m and 8m where you value convenience over maximum coverage. They work brilliantly for spontaneous stops and overnight camping where you need quick shade but won't set up a full awning. Retirees touring New Zealand appreciate the simple operation that requires no bending, lifting, or complex assembly.
Cassette awnings eliminate 90% of setup hassles while providing instant shade for meals, afternoon relaxation, or protection from sudden rain.
Price guide in New Zealand
Manual cassette awnings start at $1,200 for 2.5m models and reach $2,200 for 4m lengths. Electric versions range from $2,500 to $4,500 depending on features like wind sensors and LED lighting.
Fitment, measurements and setup tips
Professional installation costs $300 to $600 and ensures proper mounting to your caravan's wall structure. You need 150mm clear mounting space above windows or doors. Check your wall thickness and frame locations before ordering to avoid mounting into thin aluminum panels that won't support the weight.
6. Custom Made Canvas Awnings In New Zealand
Custom manufactured canvas awnings give you a solution that matches your specific caravan dimensions and camping requirements. Local New Zealand companies like Canvasland and Kolorful Kanvas fabricate awnings from scratch using your exact measurements and preferred features. You specify the width, projection depth, panel configuration, window placement, and fabric colors to create an awning that integrates perfectly with your setup. These manufacturers use heavy duty canvas rated at 340gsm to 400gsm that outlasts mass produced options and handles New Zealand's harsh coastal conditions without degrading. The custom approach eliminates the compromises you make when buying off-the-shelf caravan awnings that almost fit but require modifications.
Awning overview
Custom canvas manufacturers measure your caravan on site or work from detailed photos and dimensions you provide. They build steel or aluminium frameworks specifically for your van's awning rail profile and height, then cut and sew canvas panels that eliminate gaps and tension issues common with generic sizes. You choose between traditional cotton canvas or modern acrylic blends depending on your budget and maintenance preferences. Most fabricators include reinforced stress points, brass eyelets for guy ropes, and UV stabilized thread that prevents seam failure.
Best use cases and caravan types
Custom awnings suit older caravans with non-standard dimensions or modified vans where standard sizes don't work. They benefit owners who camp in extreme locations requiring extra reinforcement or specialized features like extended storm flaps. Your investment makes sense for permanent or semi-permanent installations at beach properties or lifestyle blocks.
Custom canvas awnings deliver perfect fitment and durability that generic options can't match, justifying the higher cost for long term use.
Price guide in New Zealand
Expect to pay $2,500 to $4,000 for basic custom canvas awnings depending on size and complexity. Complex designs with multiple rooms, reinforced frames, or premium canvas reach $4,500 to $6,500. Fabrication takes four to eight weeks from order to delivery.
Fitment, measurements and setup tips
Provide your fabricator with awning rail height measurements at three points along your caravan's length to account for frame variations. Include photos showing your van's exterior fixtures, windows, and door positions that affect panel design. Request a setup guide specific to your awning as custom configurations often require unique assembly sequences compared to standard models.
7. Compact Sun Canopies And Wind Walls
Compact sun canopies and wind walls offer minimal shelter solutions when you don't need the coverage of full caravan awnings but still want protection from elements. These lightweight accessories attach directly to your awning rail or mount independently using poles and guy ropes. You get basic shade during the day and wind protection for cooking or sitting outside without investing in heavy equipment or spending time on complex setup. Most canopies pack into bags under 5kg and deploy in five to ten minutes with one person handling the entire installation.
Awning overview
Sun canopies typically measure 2m to 3m wide and extend 1.5m to 2m from your caravan's side. Wind walls attach vertically to block prevailing breezes or create privacy between adjacent sites. Both use polyester fabric with 150D to 200D ratings that resist water and UV damage without the weight of traditional canvas. You'll find roll-up designs that stow against your van during travel and tension-adjustable systems that adapt to different wind conditions.
Best use cases and caravan types
These accessories suit short stays and day stops where you need quick shade for meals or afternoon relaxation. They work perfectly for small caravans under 5m where full awnings overwhelm available space. Coastal camping benefits from wind walls that block salt spray and sand.
Compact canopies deliver 80% of the shade benefits while weighing less than 20% of what full awnings demand for transport and storage.
Price guide in New Zealand
Basic sun canopies cost $150 to $350 depending on size and mounting hardware. Wind wall panels range from $80 to $200 each.
Fitment, measurements and setup tips
Check your awning rail compatibility before ordering as some canopies require specific bead profiles. Position guy ropes at 45-degree angles from corners to maximize stability in coastal winds.
8. Second Hand Caravan Awnings On Trade Me
Trade Me dominates New Zealand's second hand market for caravan awnings with hundreds of listings across all types and price ranges. You'll find everything from barely used inflatable models to well-maintained traditional canvas setups that previous owners have upgraded. The platform connects you directly with sellers across both islands, giving you access to awnings that might suit your budget when new retail prices stretch too far. Many listings include photos showing the awning erected, original packaging, and accessories like pegs, guy ropes, and repair kits that sweeten the deal.
Awning overview
Second hand listings on Trade Me feature pole awnings, inflatable systems, and porch models from brands like Dometic, Kampa, Isabella, and Outdoor Revolution. You see complete setups with all hardware included and partial systems where sellers keep certain panels or accessories. Condition descriptions range from "like new" to "needs minor repairs" so you need to read listings carefully and ask sellers specific questions about wear, damage, or missing components before committing to purchase.
Best use cases and caravan types
Buying second hand suits first-time caravanners testing different awning styles without the financial commitment of new purchases. Budget-conscious families benefit from savings that reach 40% to 60% off retail for quality gear. Your older caravan matches well with discontinued models that still function perfectly despite being unavailable in stores.
Second hand caravan awnings deliver the same shelter and functionality as new models while saving you enough money to upgrade other camping equipment.
Price guide in New Zealand
Porch awnings sell for $200 to $450 on Trade Me depending on condition and brand. Full size awnings range from $400 to $1,800 with inflatable models commanding premium prices. Retractable cassette systems appear less frequently but list between $600 to $2,000 when available.
Fitment, measurements and setup tips
Verify the awning rail compatibility and size measurements match your caravan before buying. Request the seller provide photos of all poles, pegs, and panels to confirm nothing is missing. Check for mold, tears, or broken zippers in the photos and ask about setup instructions if the original manual isn't included. Inspect the awning in person before collection when possible to avoid discovering problems after the transaction completes.
Final thoughts
Selecting the right caravan awnings transforms your camping experience from basic shelter to comfortable outdoor living space. You've seen eight distinct options covering inflatable technology, traditional canvas, compact porch models, retractable cassette systems, and budget-conscious second hand choices. Each type serves specific camping styles, from weekend warriors needing quick setup to long term travellers requiring substantial covered space with room for dining and storage.
Your decision depends on your caravan size, typical camping duration, and budget constraints. Match your awning to actual usage patterns rather than buying the largest or most expensive option available. Consider factors like setup time, weight for towing, and maintenance requirements that affect long term satisfaction. Test your setup at home before your first trip to identify any fitment issues or missing components.
Action Outdoors stocks comprehensive awning options and accessories designed for New Zealand caravanners seeking quality gear that handles local conditions. Visit their Auckland store for hands-on product viewing and expert advice on matching awnings to your specific caravan model.